On the full moon day of the month of Kartigai
November-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, the
Hindus celebrate the Kartigai Deepam. It is on this day that the huge beacon is
lit on the holy hill Arunachala in South India.

Once Lord Shiva assumed the form of a hill at
Tiruvannamali in South India. Here He quelled the pride of Brahma and Vishnu
who were quarrelling as to their relative greatness. One day, when Lord Shiva
was in meditation, Parvati left Him and went to the hill of Arunachala. There
She performed penance. She was the guest of the sage Gautama. It was during Her
penance hem that Mahishasura was Killed by Durga hidden by Parvati. Parvati saw
Shiva as Arunachal lesvara. She was taken back by the Lord to His side, and
made His Ardhangini once more, that is, She occupied half of the body of the
Lord.

Arunachalesvara is Tejo· Lingam. Arunachala or
the Tiruvannamalai Hill is the place that represents the fire element. (The
five elements are represented by five holy places in India)

When the light on the top of the
Tiruvannamalai Hill is unveiled on the Kartigai Deepam day, people see the big
light and worship it. They recite again and again in a loud voice "Harohara".
The esoteric meaning is that he who sees the light of lights that is burning
eternally in the chambers of his heart through constant meditation attains
immortality. The light on the Arunachala brings the message to you that the
Self or Lord Shiva is self-effilgent, He is the light of lights.

On the Kartigai Deepam day is South-India,
people make bonfires in front of temples in the evening. It is said that Lord
Shiva burnt the chariots of several demons who were torturing sags and
celestials. This bonfire symbolises. this legend.

People place rows of earthen lamps in front of
their houses on the evening of Kartigai Deepam and worship the Lord. They also
light a variety of fireworks.

Annihilate the three impurities, namely,
egoism, selfish action and delusion. Burin the mind, senses and the desires in
the fire of knowledge of the Self or Shiva Jnanam. Attain full illumination and
behold the light of lights, which illumines the mind, intellect, sun, moon,
stars, lightning and the fire. This is real Kartigai Deepam.

May the light of lights illumine you all! May
Lord Shiva bless you with more light! May you merge in this supreme light and
attain the eternal adobe of bliss and immortality!